In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) apprehended two employees of the North Bihar Power Corporation Limited (NBPCL) for allegedly accepting a bribe. The incident, which unfolded in Muzaffarpur on Wednesday, saw a meter reader and a lineman caught red-handed while taking illegal gratification.
The Trap and Arrest
The SVU team, operating from Patna, executed a well-planned operation in the Sahebganj area based on a formal complaint. The complainant, Mohd Zahid, a local resident, had accused the officials of demanding a bribe of Rs 12,000. The money was allegedly solicited in exchange for providing a new electricity connection and installing a meter at his home.
According to the SVU statement, the accused threatened Zahid with severe consequences if he refused to pay. They warned of initiating departmental proceedings and even falsely implicating him in a case. Acting on this complaint, the vigilance officials laid a trap. The accused, identified as meter reader Nishant Kumar and lineman Munchun Rai, were caught in the act while accepting a part of the demanded sum, Rs 5,000.
The Accused and the Escape
While the swift action led to the arrest of Kumar and Rai, the operation faced a setback. A junior engineer (JE) named in the original complaint, Gautam Kumar, managed to evade capture during the raid. The SVU has confirmed that efforts are actively underway to locate and apprehend the absconding engineer.
Following their arrest, both Nishant Kumar and Munchun Rai were taken into custody for detailed interrogation. The SVU is investigating the full extent of their alleged corrupt activities and any potential links to other similar cases.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Efforts
The two arrested NBPCL employees are set to be presented before the designated vigilance court in Patna. They will face legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the Special Vigilance Unit to combat graft, especially in essential public services like electricity supply. The incident in Muzaffarpur sends a strong message against corrupt practices within state utilities. The SVU has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all individuals involved, including the junior engineer who is currently at large.
